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Farag SA, El-Keredy A, Abd El Gawad SA, Swelum AA, Tellez-Isaias G, Abouzeid AE. Impacts of willow (Salix babylonica L.) leaf extract on growth, cecal microbial population, and blood biochemical parameters of broilers. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103386. [PMID: 38176372 PMCID: PMC10805942 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The investigation examined the use of willow leaf extract (WLE) on broiler chickens, examining carcass characteristics, cecal microbiota, antioxidants, and blood parameters. In 4 groups of 300 chicks, a basal diet was given for 5 wk, and the first treatment was basal diet (C). The diets for the remaining 3 treatments (WLE150, WLE300, and WLE450) contained 150, 300, and 450 mg of willow leaf extract /kg, respectively. The study found that birds fed willow leaf extract supplements had significantly greater body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and enhanced feed conversion ratio (FCR) vs. the control group. Birds fed at 450 mg/kg food showed the greatest growth features, carcass weight, liver weight, lower abdominal fat, better low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations, and highest hematological characteristics. Chickens fed diets supplemented with varied doses of willow leaf extract showed significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity, with higher amounts of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lower malondialdehyde (MDA). However, in the study, birds fed a diet supplemented with 450 mg of willow leaf extract per kg meal showed a significant drop of 13.02%, which found no significant variations in hazardous bacteria (Escherichia coli) across 2 treatments (WLE150 and WLE300). In addition, the study discovered that birds fed with varied doses of willow leaf extract had fewer cecum infections (Staphylococci aureus). We conclude that using willow at a level of 450 mg/kg diet can significantly enhance the BWG, FCR, antioxidant levels and beneficial bacteria activity besides the condition of broiler chicken's general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Farag
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amira El-Keredy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sally A Abd El Gawad
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Adel E Abouzeid
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Grozina AA, Ilina LA, Laptev GY, Yildirim EA, Ponomareva ES, Filippova VA, Tyurina DG, Fisinin VI, Kochish II, Griffin DK, Surai PF, Romanov MN. Probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in modulating the intestinal microbiota and performance of broiler chickens. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad213. [PMID: 37715326 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gut bacteria play an important role in poultry nutrition and the immune defense system. Changes in the intestinal microbiome affect the physiological state, metabolism, and innate immunity of poultry. The present study aimed to characterize age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract microflora in broiler chickens, depending on supplementation of the diet with the in-feed antibiotic Stafac® 110 and a Bacillus subtilis strain-based probiotic. METHODS AND RESULTS In this regard, a comprehensive analysis of the taxonomic structure of the microbial community in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens was carried out using a molecular genetic technique of the terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and taking into account age dynamics and feeding treatment. A beneficial effect on the microbiological composition and body weight of broilers was observed when using the antibiotic and probiotic in compound feeds. Different bacterial communities were revealed in the duodenum and cecum, and their positive impact on broiler growth was established. The results obtained shed light on the formation of GIT microflora of broiler chickens during the growing period and its changes in response to the use of the antibiotic and the probiotic. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the implementation of the tested in-feed antibiotic and probiotic can be beneficial in regulating the intestinal microflora microbiological processes in the GIT and improving the feeding efficiency and productivity of broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena A Grozina
- Federal Scientific Center "All-Russia Research and Technological Poultry Institute", Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergiev Posad, Moscow Oblast 141311, Russia
| | - Larisa A Ilina
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "St. Petersburg State Agrarian University", Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601, Russia
- BIOTROF LLC, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196602, Russia
| | - Georgiy Yu Laptev
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "St. Petersburg State Agrarian University", Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601, Russia
- BIOTROF LLC, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196602, Russia
| | - Elena A Yildirim
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "St. Petersburg State Agrarian University", Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601, Russia
- BIOTROF LLC, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196602, Russia
| | | | - Valentina A Filippova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "St. Petersburg State Agrarian University", Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601, Russia
- BIOTROF LLC, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196602, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir I Fisinin
- Federal Scientific Center "All-Russia Research and Technological Poultry Institute", Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergiev Posad, Moscow Oblast 141311, Russia
| | - Ivan I Kochish
- K. I. Skryabin Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Moscow 109472, Russia
| | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Peter F Surai
- Vitagene and Health Research Centre, Bristol BS4 2RS, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent Istvan University, H-2103 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Michael N Romanov
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
- L. K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Oblast 142132, Russia
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Phytogenic Substances against Secret Killers in Poultry: Current Status and Prospects. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010055. [PMID: 36669057 PMCID: PMC9866488 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is recognized as a secret killer in poultry. It is associated with systemic inflammation due to cytokine release, dysbiosis, and the so-called leaky gut syndrome, which mainly results from oxidative stress reactions that damage the barrier function of the cells lining the gut wall. Poultry, especially the genetically selected broiler breeds, frequently suffer from these chronic stress symptoms when exposed to multiple stressors in their growing environments. Since oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory damages are multi-stage and long-term processes, overshooting immune reactions and their down-stream effects also negatively affect the animal's microbiota, and finally impair its performance and commercial value. Means to counteract oxidative stress in poultry and other animals are, therefore, highly welcome. Many phytogenic substances, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this review, firstly, the main stressors in poultry, such as heat stress, mycotoxins, dysbiosis and diets that contain oxidized lipids that trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, are discussed, along with the key transcription factors involved in the related signal transduction pathways. Secondly, the most promising phytogenic substances and their current applications to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in poultry are highlighted.
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Melatonin Alleviates Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2 in Porcine Trophectodern Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061047. [PMID: 35739944 PMCID: PMC9219737 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental oxidative stress has been implicated as a main risk factor for placental dysfunction. Alleviation of oxidative stress and enhancement of antioxidant capacity of porcine trophectoderm (PTr2) cells are effective means to maintaining normal placental function. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of melatonin (MT) on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in PTr2 cells. Our data revealed that pretreatment with MT could significantly improve the decrease in cell viability induced by H2O2, and reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the ratio of apoptotic cells. Here, we compared the transcriptomes of untreated versus melatonin-treated PTr2 cells by RNA-seq analysis and found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly enriched in the Wnt signaling, TGF-beta signaling and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, pretreatment with MT upregulated the antioxidant-related genes such as early growth response3 (EGR3), WAP four-disulfide core domain1 (WFDC1), heme oxygenase1 (HMOX1) and vimentin (VIM). These findings reveal that melatonin protects PTr2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage.
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Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata and Salix alba on Performance and Blood Biochemistry in Free-Range Leghorn Laying Hens. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9040182. [PMID: 35448679 PMCID: PMC9030870 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) in Leghorn hens during the critical pre-laying and laying phases. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (Control—C; Treated—T, n = 60 each). For 12 weeks, the T group received a diet supplemented with 0.3% of dry extracts of Bs (5%) and Sa (5%). The study lasted 19 weeks. Productive performance, serum analytes, H/L ratio, IgA and anti-IBV antibodies were investigated. Water intake was significantly higher, while body and egg weight was significantly lower for the T group (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected in performance parameters, serum analytes, IgA and H/L ratio excluding t0, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher H/R ratio and higher titers of anti-IBV antibody for the T group. Overall, the data obtained in this study show that the supplementation with Bs and Sa was safe and resulted in an increase in water consumption, a decrease in egg weight, and a sedative effect in the hens. In the future, it would be interesting to test this supplement in hens reared on intensive farms.
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Maistro EL, Terrazzas PM, Sawaya ACHF, Rosa PCP, Perazzo FF, de Mascarenhas Gaivão IO. In vivo toxicogenic potential of Salix alba (Salicaceae) bark extract. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2022; 85:121-130. [PMID: 34674609 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1989351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Salix alba (white willow) bark extract is widely used for conditions associated with inflammation, fever, microbial infection or pain. Exposure of human cultured leukocytes to S. alba in vitro noted a genotoxic response. However, data regarding the influence of this bark extract on DNA damage in vivo are lacking. The main goal of this study was to examine the potential of S.alba bark extract to induce DNA damage and chromosome aberrations in an in vivo model using cells obtained from male Swiss albino mice administered the compound orally. The extract was administered by oral gavage daily for 7 days at doses of 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg b.w. Genotoxicity analysis was performed using the comet assay on peripheral blood leukocytes, as well as liver, bone marrow, heart, and testicular cells collected 4 hr after the last treatment and the micronucleus (MN) test on bone marrow cells. In essence cells were collected 28 hr after the penultimate treatment Data demonstrated that S. alba bark extract did not induce significant DNA damage in any cell types examined, or clastogenic/aneugenic effects as detected by the MN test at the three tested doses. Under these experimental conditions, evidence indicates that S.alba bark extract did not initiate genotoxic or chromosome aberrations in various mouse cells investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Luis Maistro
- Speech and Hearing Therapy Department, São Paulo State University - Unesp, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa De Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Geral E Aplicada - São Paulo State University - Unesp, Instituto De Biociências, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Peterson Menezes Terrazzas
- Programa De Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Geral E Aplicada - São Paulo State University - Unesp, Instituto De Biociências, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fábio Ferreira Perazzo
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (Utad), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel O'Neill de Mascarenhas Gaivão
- Universidade De Tras-os-Montes E Alto Douro Escola De Ciencias Agrarias E Veterinarias, Genet. Biotech. Animal Veterinary Res. Centre, Vila Real, Portugal
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Immunohistochemical Expression of AQP2 and HSP70 in Broiler Kidney Tissue Treated with Salix tetrasperma Roxb. Extract under Heat Exposure. ScientificWorldJournal 2021; 2021:8711286. [PMID: 34707467 PMCID: PMC8545545 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8711286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of plant extracts to broilers may be a way to mitigate the effects of heat stress. The importance of AQP2 and HSP70 compounds in maintaining the homeostasis of the chicken body when it is subjected to heat stress is well established. This study aims to determine the effect of giving the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. on the immunohistochemical expression of AQP2 and HSP70 in exposed and unexposed broiler kidney tissue. This study used 36 samples of 28-day-old chicken kidneys. Chickens were kept in individual cages, provided with feed and drinking water ad libitum. The design used was a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 6 replications: (a) chickens were reared in conditions exposed to heat (HS + 0); (b) chickens were reared in conditions exposed to heat and given Salix extract at a dose of 50 mg/L drinking water (HS + 50); (c) chickens were reared under heat-exposed conditions and given Salix extract at a dose of 100 mg/L drinking water (HS + 100); (d) chickens were reared in conditions without exposure to heat (n-HS + 0); (e) chickens were reared in conditions without exposure to heat and given Salix extract at a dose of 50 mg/L drinking water (nHS + 50); and (f) chickens were reared in conditions exposed without exposure to heat and given 100 mg/L drinking water (nHS + 100) of Salix extract. Salix extract was given for 24 hours and was renewed every 6 hours. The results showed that giving Salix extract 100 mg/L in drinking water to chickens exposed to heat (HS + 100) reduced the value of the H/L ratio. Giving Salix extract 50–100 mg/L in drinking water caused an upregulated AQP2 expression; on the other hand, it downregulated HSP-70 expression, in chicken kidney tubules both exposed to heat stress and nonexposed to heat stress. In conclusion, exposure to heat stress in broiler chickens and giving Salix extract can increase the formation of aquaporin 2 compounds and suppress the formation of HSP70.
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Qu W, Liu J. Effects of Glucose Oxidase Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Antioxidative and Inflammatory Status, Gut Function, and Microbiota Composition of Broilers Fed Moldy Corn. Front Physiol 2021; 12:646393. [PMID: 34220529 PMCID: PMC8244819 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.646393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucose oxidase is widely used as a livestock feed additive owing to its beneficial effects on growth performance and antioxidant activity. However, little is known about the effects of the enzyme on intestinal health. Methods To investigate the effects of glucose oxidase supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal function, and microbiota composition of broilers fed moldy corn, newly hatched Arbor Acres broilers were each randomly assigned to one of four groups, which were fed a basal diet (CON), a contaminated diet (10% moldy corn) (MC), a basal diet supplemented with 0.01% glucose oxidase (GOD), or a contaminated diet supplemented with 0.01% glucose oxidase (MCG). Results We found that the average weight gain (ADG) of the MC group was significantly lower than those of the CON and GOD groups, and there were no significant differences in ADG between the MCG group and the CON and GOD groups. Intestinal morphology results revealed irregularly arranged villi and microvilli in the ilea from the MC group, whereas those from the other three groups were aligned regularly. Tight-junction protein analysis showed that both ZO-1 expression and claudin-4 expression in the MC group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. Inflammation cytokines analysis showed lower serum concentration of interleukin-10, as well as its mRNA expression in the ileum of the MC group, when compared with those of the other groups. Additionally, we observed lower glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase activity and higher malonaldehyde concentration in the MC group than those in the MCG group. The α and β diversity of microbiota profiling indicated that the cecal microbiota in the MC group differed from those in the other three groups. Conclusion The results indicated that glucose oxidase supplementation was able to prevent the adverse effects from mycotoxin exposure on growth performance, antioxidant activity, inflammatory response, intestinal function, and microbiota composition in broilers. We suggested that glucose oxidase supplementation can be used in broilers to mitigate the adverse effects of moldy feed, and its benefits are due to its effect on intestinal microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaguo Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Saracila M, Panaite TD, Papuc CP, Criste RD. Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens and the Effect of Dietary Polyphenols, with Special Reference to Willow ( Salix spp .) Bark Supplements-A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050686. [PMID: 33925609 PMCID: PMC8146860 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the use of a wide range of phytoadditives to counteract the harmful effects of heat stress in poultry. Willow (Salix spp.) is a tree with a long history. Among various forms, willow bark is an important natural source of salicin, β-O-glucoside of saligenin, but also of polyphenols (flavonoids and condensed tannins) with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. In light of this, the current review presents some literature data aiming to: (1) describe the relationship between heat stress and oxidative stress in broilers, (2) present or summarize literature data on the chemical composition of Salix species, (3) summarize the mechanisms of action of willow bark in heat-stressed broilers, and (4) present different biological effects of the extract of Salix species in different experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Saracila
- National Research-Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition (IBNA), Calea Bucuresti, 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (T.D.P.); (R.D.C.)
- Faculty of Animal Production Engineering and Management, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd, District 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-351-2081
| | - Tatiana Dumitra Panaite
- National Research-Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition (IBNA), Calea Bucuresti, 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (T.D.P.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Camelia Puia Papuc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 54 Splaiul Independentei, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Diana Criste
- National Research-Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition (IBNA), Calea Bucuresti, 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (T.D.P.); (R.D.C.)
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Basit MA, Kadir AA, Loh TC, Abdul Aziz S, Salleh A, Zakaria ZA, Banke Idris S. Comparative Efficacy of Selected Phytobiotics with Halquinol and Tetracycline on Gut Morphology, Ileal Digestibility, Cecal Microbiota Composition and Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112150. [PMID: 33227911 PMCID: PMC7699210 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) are banned in Europe but still used in many countries including Asia. However, their indiscriminate use resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that possibly transfer the resistant genes to the microorganisms pertinent to human health. Hence, it is essential to find alternatives that can improve the production performance in broiler chickens. In this scenario, phytobiotics or phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) are widely investigated to evaluate their influence on improving gut health, increasing digestibility, and thereby the growth performance. The present study is a continuity of our experiments on dietary inclusion of Piper betle and Persicaria odorata leaf meal and the first of its kind to evaluate the comparative efficacy of phytobiotics (Piper betle and Persicaria odorata leaf meal), with halquinol and tetracycline in broiler chickens. The current experiment findings indicated that, in comparison with the control group, either of the dietary treatments positively modulated the gut morphology, improved ileal digestibility, maintained the intestinal population of Lactobacillus and reduced the pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium spp., thus improved the growth performance in broiler chickens. Abstract The current experiment was designed to estimate the comparative efficacy of selected phytobiotics Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) and Piper betle leaf meal (PBLM) with halquinol, and tetracycline in broiler chickens. The 150-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary groups. The dietary supplementation groups were the basal diet (BD), which served as the negative control (NC), and BD + 0.2 g/kg tetracycline, which served as the positive control (PC); BD + 0.03 g/kg halquinol (HAL), BD + 8 g/kg POLM (Po8), and BD + 4 g/kg PBLM (Pb4) were the treatment groups. Growth performance, gut morphology, ileal digestibility, and cecal microbiota composition were measured. On day 21, the body weight gain (BWG) was enhanced (p < 0.05) in the broiler chickens fed on phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4) relative to the NC group, however, on day 42 and in terms of overall growth performance, BWG was enhanced (p < 0.05 in diets (Po8, Pb4, HAL and PC) in comparison with the NC group. Conversely, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded reduced (p < 0.05) in Pb4, Po8, HAL, and PC group in comparison with the NC group. Supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, positively improved the gut morphology compared to the NC group. Furthermore, the maximum (p < 0.05) villus height (VH) in duodenum and jejunum was observed in broilers fed on diet Pb4. Supplementation of phytobiotics, HAL and PC, improved (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter (DM) (except for HAL), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash compared to the NC group. Dietary supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, significantly reduced the E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus (except for HAL) counts compared to the NC group. However, supplementation of Pb4 resulted in significantly decreased total anaerobic bacteria and Clostridium spp. counts compared to the NC group. In addition, supplementation of phytobiotics significantly increased the Lactobacillus count compared to HAL, PC, and NC groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of phytobiotics improved the gut morphology, positively modulated and maintained the dynamics of cecal microbiota with enhanced nutrient digestibility, thus, increased the growth performance. Based on current results, phytobiotics could be used as an alternative to AGPs for sustainable broiler chicken production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Basit
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Punjab, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (A.A.K.); Tel.: +60-3-9769-3403 (A.A.K.)
| | - Arifah Abdul Kadir
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (A.A.K.); Tel.: +60-3-9769-3403 (A.A.K.)
| | - Teck Chwen Loh
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Saleha Abdul Aziz
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Annas Salleh
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Sherifat Banke Idris
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Skoto 2346, Nigeria
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